2003 GMC Safari vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 GMC Safari is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 4,292 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 GMC Safari weights approximately 755 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 GMC Safari is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2003 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 GMC Safari | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4292 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
